Human-Computer Interaction Activities as a Basis in the Development of Innovations in Process: The Case of the Colombian Exporter SMEs

Abstract

The incorporation of best technological practices or components guides the development of processes and promotes transformations with new approaches in organizational structures. In this regard, it is necessary to increase productivity and competitiveness levels of SMEs. However, having greater knowledge about the type of activities to be implemented for the development of innovations in process is one of the main difficulties usually hindering the growth potential of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Among the key factors leading to innovation, we find the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) activities entailing cooperation and the pursuit of R&D activities based on that increase productivity and competitiveness. Nevertheless, several young or small firms do not have those capabilities, and it is paramount for them to know which type of HCI activities they must undertake to allocate their innovation resources adequately to obtain outstanding results. For this purpose, this paper aims to determine the effect of diverse HCI innovation activities on the deployment of innovations within exporter SMEs' processes. First, we carried out a survey for collecting data on different innovation variables encompassing both activities and processes of 56 exporter SMEs. The data analyzed in this study derive from a structured questionnaire with 21 questions, out of which 16 measured orientations to process innovation, production and distribution methods, techniques, teams and technologies for production whin improve quality; and 5 questions measure the type of innovation activities, such as R&D, links to information sources, cooperation on innovation, scientific, technological, organizational and financial actions. The main economic sectors of these firms are chemical products, fertilizers and pesticides, pharmaceutical and medications, plastic and its manufactures, iron, steel and its manufactures, minerals, oils, vegetal and animals. The model proposed in this study through correlation tests and factorial analyses will allow companies in these

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